Holiday Events in Downtown Fort Collins

The magic of Fort Collins’ winter wonderland is just steps from our door this year! Make sure to enjoy all the following festivities starting in November and running through Christmas.

Holiday Lights

Oh how they twinkle! Thousands of strands of white lights transform the trees all around downtown. Come and enjoy the magical scene this holiday season. The best way to see the beauty is on a carriage ride through downtown. The horses await at Old Town Square and Mountain Avenue. Then stop for a cup of hot cocoa or your favorite coffee at any of the local coffee shops.

Santa Arrives – Nov 17

Santa Claus is Coming to Town…Old Town that is! Santa is getting ready to make his debut right in the heart of downtown at Old Town Square at Walnut and Linden. Santa will be arriving in style and he and his elves will be excited to meet the children beginning Nov 17. Visit the Downtown Development Authority Events page for days and times through December 24.

Old Town Square Skate Rink – Nov 17

Glide along and spin around with a big smile. You’re forever young when you tie up laces on skates. Along with Santa’s House, Old Town Square will once again be home to the downtown skate rink beginning Nov 17. Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays with extended Holiday hours, bring friends and family and have fun! Visit here for more information and hours of operation.

20th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony – Dec 1

Each year, our neighbors at First Presbyterian Church gather together with the local community to present their Realities for Children, blue lit Christmas tree, in honor of child abuse prevention. This event is free to attend and includes food, hot cocoa, and live music along with a visit from Santa. Visit here for more information!

Garden of Lights – Dec 1 to Jan 1

Get ready for a family-friendly walk through Spring Creek’s Garden of Lights this year, and enjoy a stroll through hundreds of thousands of holiday lights! Each year Spring Creek Garden sponsors this beautiful event along with weekend holiday music and seasonal crafts for the kids. For more information, click here.

Holiday Open House at the Avery House – Dec 1-2

Experience a historic holiday with costumed actors, victorian decorations, and live music at The Avery House this year. The Avery House also provides a baked goods and craft fair at the end of the season to help make your holidays a little more special. For dates and times, click here.

Canyon Concert Ballet Presents The Nutcracker – Dec 7-9

Christmas isn’t Christmas without the “Nutcracker”! Get your tickets to this wonderful show and enjoy a true holiday classic at the theater. Tickets are available online, and can be purchased here.

The Sweaty Sweater Race – Dec 8

Come wearing your favorite “ugly sweater” and run with your friends and family in the Sweaty Sweater Race, sponsored by Anheuser-Busch. Warm up afterwards with hot chocolate and beer at the finish line! Check out more details here.

Charles Dickens’, a “Christmas Carol” – Dec 20-23

If you’re in the mood for more fun at the theater, get tickets for this year’s Charles Dickens’, a “Christmas Carol”. This holiday favorite is packed with Christmas favorites, including the Ghost of Christmas Past, Scrooge, and more. Tickets are available online and can be purchased here.